Localized linear bullous eruption of systemic lupus erythematosus in a child

Linear cutaneous lupus erythematosus in children-report of two cases and review of the literature: A case report

Linear cutaneous lupus erythematosus is an unusual presentation of cutaneous lupus following Blaschko’s lines. It is described mostly in children and young adults and is usually not associated with systemic involvement. We report two cases of linear cutaneous lupus erythematosus in children who significantly improved after treatment with hydroxychloroquine in combination with topical corticosteroids and tacrolimus. These rare cases underline the importance of including linear cutaneous lupus erythematosus in the differential diagnosis of blaschkoid inflammatory lesions.

Mosaicism in genodermatoses

Genodermatoses are inherited disorders presenting with cutaneous manifestations with or without the involvement of other systems. The majority of these disorders, particularly in cases that present with a cutaneous patterning, may be explained in the context of genetic mosaicism. Despite the barriers to the genetic analysis of mosaic disorders, next-generation sequencing has led to a substantial progress in understanding their pathogenesis, which has significant implications for the clinical management and genetic counseling. Advances in paired and deep sequencing technologies in particular have made the study of mosaic disorders more feasible. In this review, we provide an overview of genetic mosaicism as well as mosaic cutaneous disorders and the techniques required to study them.

Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus starting as linear lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous lupus in childhood is usually associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (LE). Linear cutaneous LE (LCLE) is an unusual presentation mostly seen in children and young adults.

METHODS

We report a rare case of cutaneous subacute LE with a segmentary pattern following the lines of Blaschko in an 18-month-old girl with a 2-month history of persistent, linear, asymptomatic, erythematous lesions along the right arm. The clinical diagnosis at presentation was lichen striatus.

RESULTS

A biopsy showed an intense, band-like, inflammatory cell infiltrate with perivascular and periadnexal involvement associated with basal cell liquefactive degeneration. The lesions were treated with topical corticosteroids and healed without scarring. Two months later, new lesions manifested as multiple erythematous, edematous, polycyclic plaques. A new biopsy showed a periadnexal infiltrate, a large amount of mucin, and a thickened basement membrane. Direct immunofluorescence was negative. Our definitive diagnosis was subacute cutaneous LE starting as linear LE. The lesions responded slowly to oral corticosteroids. Six months later, only a mild livedoid skin pattern remained on the patient's legs.

CONCLUSIONS

Linear cutaneous LE usually presents with erythematous, atrophic, hyperkeratotic, dyschromic circular lesions arranged in a linear pattern; the main differential diagnosis is lichen striatum. In general, LCLE can be considered as discoid lupus following Blaschko's lines, which correspond to the direction of growth in clones of cutaneous cells that arise during embryogenesis. The present patient represents the first pediatric case of subacute cutaneous LE following Blaschko's lines, with posterior progression to a generalized form of subacute LE.

Mycophenolate Mofetil and Erythromycin for Bullous Lupus Erythematosus of Childhood

Background:

Bullous lupus erythematosus is a rare disease that is extremely rare in childhood (with only seven previous reports) and difficult to control.

Objective:

Herein is presented the youngest patient reported with this condition, and a novel, safe, and effective treatment regimen is described.

Methods:

Through study, perseverance, serendipity, and creativity, a safe and effective regimen was developed.

Results:

The combination of mycophenolate mofetil and erythromycin (plus sun protection) was found to be efficacious.

Conclusion:

It is proposed that the two medications act synergistically, with the “antibiotic” acting as a antiinflammatory agent, but at a different point in the inflammatory cascade than mycophenolate mofetil. This suggests the approach of using common, inexpensive, and benign antibiotics to potentiate, and perhaps decrease the use of, immunomodulatory agents in autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases.

Patterned disorders in dermatology

The skin gives us an opportunity to study pathologies unapparent in other systems such as patterned disorders. Among the best-identified patterns of skin disorders are the well-known lines of Blaschko, but other types of skin-patterned lesions have also been recognized. This short review will describe and discuss these different patterns and their pathophysiologic mechanisms, such as somatic mosaicism and X-chromosome associated mosaicism. Cutaneous patterned disorders are thought to be associated usually with inherited diseases per se, but in fact they are also reported in so-called acquired diseases. These cases suggest the existence of an underlying defect in a gene closely associated with the disease pathogenesis. The study of these acquired patterned disorders in the future may help us to understand the biologic foundations and pathogenesis of common human diseases.

Bullous lesions as a manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus in two Mexican teenagers

Rarely, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presents with bullous lesions due to severe edema and hydropic degeneration of the basal layer, or as a subepidermal blistering disease. Here, we describe two Mexican teenagers, one with SLE with blisters and another with bullous SLE. We also discuss the mechanisms and clinical implications of lesion formation in patients with SLE and bullae.

Superimposed segmental manifestation of polygenic skin disorders

In common acquired skin disorders with a polygenic background such as psoriasis, a linear or otherwise segmental arrangement may sometimes be noted. The segmental involvement tends to be rather severe and may be associated with milder, nonsegmental lesions of the same disorder. Such cases may be best explained by an early postzygotic event in the form of loss of heterozygosity involving one of the genes that predispose to the disorder. The following pertinent examples are reviewed in this article: psoriasis vulgaris, pustular psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, lichen planus, systemic lupus erythematosus, pemphigus vulgaris, vitiligo, graft-versus-host disease, granuloma annulare, erythema multiforme, and drug eruption to ibuprofen. Such cases should not be categorized as a "type 2 segmental manifestation" because this term exclusively applies to monogenic traits, whereas in polygenic disorders the more descriptive term "superimposed segmental manifestation" seems appropriate. The concept of early loss of heterozygosity offers a plausible explanation as to why: the segmental involvement tends to appear at a rather young age and often precedes the development of milder, nonsegmental lesions of the same disorder; the segmental lesions are notoriously difficult to treat; and family members may show the disorder in its nonsegmental form. On the other hand, the theory of isolated versus superimposed segmental manifestation may help to elucidate the origin of polygenic skin disorders at the molecular level.

Herpes zoster in the ulnar nerve distribution

Varicella zoster is a ubiquitous virus which usually affects school-aged children as Chicken Pox. While the initial disease is self-limiting and seldom severe, the virus remains in the body. It lies dormant in the dorsal root ganglia and reactivation may occur years later with variable presentations as Herpes Zoster, or Shingles. While Shingles is common, it rarely presents exclusively in the upper extremity. It is important that hand surgeons recognize the possibility of zoster infection, with or without a rash, when evaluating the onset of neuralgia in a dermatomal distribution in the upper limb. Early diagnosis allows rapid and appropriate treatment, with a lower risk of complications. We report on a case of Herpes Zoster isolated to the ulnar nerve distribution in a young woman.

Sclerodermic Linear Lupus Panniculitis: Report of Two Cases

Lupus erythematosus panniculitis is a rare disease characterized by deep subcutaneous nodules, most commonly localized on the upper limbs and face. Unique clinical presentations, such as linear configuration or 'overlap' forms between lupus erythematosus panniculitis and localized scleroderma have been reported. We present here the clinical characteristics, course and laboratory findings of 2 patients having linear lupus erythematosus panniculitis with localized scleroderma-like changes. The 2 patients (of the 14 patients with lupus erythematosus panniculitis seen by us since 1990) were females with a young age at the onset of disease (median, 25 years). In 1 case, evolution into systemic lupus erythematosus with severe renal involvement occurred whereas the other patient, who had a spontaneous abortion and exhibited anticardiolipin antibodies, should be followed and screened for the emergence of antiphospholipid syndrome. Thus, the clinical behavior of this variant seems to be more aggressive, as compared with the usual course of lupus erythematosus panniculitis, which is considered to be a benign disease, although some reports have suggested that its prognosis is not always favorable. The linear distribution could be the clinical hallmark of such a unique, 'sclerodermic' subset of lupus erythematosus panniculitis.

Linear childhood cutaneous lupus erythematosus following Blaschko lines

We report a case of a 3-year-old Spanish boy with linear cutaneous lupus erythematosus following the lines of Blaschko on his face and neck. Histological examination established the diagnosis. Only eight cases of discoid lupus erythematosus following the lines of Blaschko have been reported previously.

Unilateral tumid lupus erythematosus

Few cases of inflammatory blaschkolinear dermatoses have been described. We report a case of blaschkolinear cutaneous tumid lupus erythematous and discuss the potential association between cutaneous genetic mosaicism, Blaschko lines and lupus susceptibility.

Incontinentia pigmenti: a review and update on the molecular basis of pathophysiology

Incontinentia pigmenti is an uncommon X-linked dominant disorder, lethal in the majority of affected males in utero and variably expressed in females. Cutaneous manifestations are classically subdivided into 4 stages: vesicular, verrucous, hyperpigmented, and atrophic. Various hair and nail abnormalities, dental anomalies, and ophthalmologic and neurologic deficits are associated with the disorder. The gene for incontinentia pigmenti has been mapped to Xq28. Recently, mutations in the NEMO/IKKgamma gene located at Xq28 have been found to cause expression of the disease. Knockout mice heterozygous for NEMO/IKKgamma gene deficiency develop a clinical phenotype very similar to that of incontinentia pigmenti. NEMO/IKKgamma is an essential component of the newly discovered nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) signaling pathway. When activated, NF-kappaB controls the expression of multiple genes, including cytokines and chemokines, and protects cells against apoptosis. The mechanism by which NEMO/IKKgamma deficiency causes, via the NF-kappaB pathway, the phenotypical expression of the disease has recently been elucidated. In addition, the newest research findings on eosinophil recruitment through eotaxin release by activated keratinocytes are described in the review. Finally, anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia with immunodeficiency, a disorder allelic to incontinentia pigmenti, is discussed together with implications on the current understanding of NF-kappaB function. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2002;47:169-87.)

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

At the completion of this learning activity, participants will have a comprehensive and current understanding of incontinentia pigmenti, including its typical and uncommon clinical and histopathologic characteristics, diagnostic assessment, and current management strategies. Additionally, participants will gain the most current knowledge of the genetic and molecular basis of cutaneous pathomechanism.

Linear cutaneous lupus erythematosus in the lines of Blaschko

The lines of Blaschko describe distribution patterns which may represent embryologic developmental pathways. This distribution may occasionally be followed by some congenital and acquired skin disorders. We describe a child with linear cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LCLE) following Blaschko lines on the face.

Autoantibodies to type VII collagen have heterogeneous subclass and light chain compositions and their complement-activating capacities do not correlate with the inflammatory clinical phenotype

Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita and bullous systemic lupus erythematosus are blistering skin diseases characterized by IgG autoantibodies that predominantly target the noncollagenous domain 1 of type VII collagen, a skin basement membrane component. The basic immunologic events leading to the blistering processes in these diseases remains unclear. We defined the subclass and light chain compositions of the IgG autoantibodies in 15 patients, in order to gain insight into the blistering mechanism. Immunofluorescence correlated the patients' in vivo-bound and circulating antibasement membrane autoantibodies. Four eukaryotic recombinant proteins, including one full-length and three truncated noncollagenous domain 1 proteins generated by sequential deletion of C-terminal amino acids, were used to perform enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect the patients' anti-type VII collagen autoantibodies. The majority of patients' autoantibodies contained both complement-activating and non-complement-activating IgG subclasses. The presence or absence of complement-activating IgG autoantibody subclasses did not correlate with the inflammatory or noninflammatory clinical phenotype. The majority of tested sera contained both kappa and lambda light chain autoantibodies. All sera that reacted to the full-length noncollagenous domain 1 also reacted to the smallest truncated protein containing the cartilage matrix protein and the first three fibronectinlike repeats. The patients' anti-type VII collagen autoantibodies, likely to be polyclonal in nature, may contribute to the pathogenesis of the blistering process by both complement-dependent inflammatory injury and complement-independent mechanical disruption of the anchoring function of type VII collagen. The N-terminal region of the noncollagenous domain 1 may contain an important antigenic epitope targeted by the IgG autoantibodies.

Cicatricial pemphigoid

Cicatricial pemphigoid (CP) is a heterogeneous group of rare, chronic, subepithelial blistering disorders of the mucous membranes and, occasionally, the skin, which can have serious and rarely fatal consequences. The most common clinical features are desquamative gingivitis, oral erosions, and conjunctival fibrosis. Skin lesions occur less frequently and may present as widespread vesicles and bullae, as in bullous pemphigoid (BP). In some patients, the scarring can be a source of significant morbidity because it can result in odynophagia, strictures of the upper aerodigestive tract, or corneal opacities leading to eventual blindness. This article is a comprehensive review and discusses clinical, pathologic, and pathophysiologic aspects of this group of disorders collectively known as CP. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;43:571-91.)

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

At the conclusion of this learning activity, participants should be familiar with the clinical spectrum of CP, the histopathologic and immunopathologic characteristics, the differential diagnosis, the treatment, and the natural history of the disease. Furthermore, this learning activity should facilitate early diagnosis of CP and should promote the idea that the involvement of other specialists, including ophthalmologists, otolaryngologists, gastroenterologists, and oral medicine specialists, as appropriate, will aid in providing these patients with the highest quality of care.

Linear eruptions of the nose in childhood: a form of lichen striatus?

We report four children with linear eruptions on the nose, with overlapping features of lichen striatus and linear cutaneous lupus erythematosus. However, linear lupus erythematosus has rarely been reported, and lichen striatus, although classically linear, rarely affects the face. The linear distribution of lesions from the glabella to the ala nasi may represent distribution following Blaschko's lines.

Loss of heterozygosity in human skin

Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) is a genetic mechanism by which a heterozygous somatic cell becomes either homozygous or hemizygous because the corresponding wild-type allele is lost. LOH has today been recognized as a major cause of malignant growth. This article gives a comprehensive review of skin disorders in which an origin from LOH has been either documented at the molecular level or postulated on the basis of clinical evidence. LOH has been shown to cause basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma, but this mechanism can likewise be taken as an important model to explain the origin of many other skin diseases such as benign hamartomas; type 2 segmental manifestation of autosomal dominant skin disorders; a pronounced segmental manifestation of acquired skin disorders with a polygenic background, superimposed on symmetric lesions of the usual type; paired mutant patches in the form of either allelic or nonallelic twin spotting; and the exceptional familial occurrence of some nevi, reflecting paradominant transmission. completion of this learning activity, readers should be familiar with the mechanism of LOH and its general significance for the biology of plants, animals, and humans. Participants should understand that this mechanism plays a crucial role not only in cutaneous malignant growth but also in the development of benign skin disorders, and they should be able to examine such diseases with a prepared mind to gain a better understanding of their origin.

Linear childhood discoid lupus erythematosus following the lines of Blaschko: a case report with review of the linear manifestations of lupus erythematosus

Seventeen cases of childhood discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) have been previously reported in the literature. We describe the first reported case of childhood linear DLE following the lines of Blaschko. The clinical and histologic characteristics of childhood DLE are discussed and a review of the linear manifestations of childhood LE is presented.

Mucocutaneous features of autoimmune blistering diseases

This review will describe adult onset mucocutaneous/autoimmune diseases that involve defects in cell-to-cell, cell-to-matrix, or cell-to-basement membrane adhesion. Included in this group are pemphigus, cicatricial pemphigoid, linear IgA bullous dermatosis, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, and bullous systemic lupus erythematous. Detection and treatment of blistering disorders that manifest early in the oral cavity may prevent widespread involvement of skin. During the past few years, targets of autoantibodies have been clarified and new targets have been identified, allowing better understanding of the pathophysiology involved in these diseases. New information about more effective regimens with fewer side effects has also been obtained, presenting new treatment options. Clinical manifestations and management of these disorders will be described as well as histopathologic, ultrastructural, and immunopathologic studies that distinguish each disorder and facilitate diagnosis and treatment.

Systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) of childhood is a complex and challenging disease which can occur at any age. Identification of disease early in it's course and aggressive, appropriate management leads to improved outcome for an individual child. The history of SLE indicates how much progress has been made in the last quarter century. A discussion of the etiopathogenesis of SLE demonstrates the complexity of the syndrome. This is followed by a description of clinical manifestations, including diagnostic criteria, differential diagnosis and suggested methods for eliciting important symptoms to make the diagnosis. Evaluation of specific organs is next reviewed highlighting critical organ manifestations that are significant for future prognosis. Treatment of SLE includes a variety of medications, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, steroids and immuno-suppressive drugs. Attention to physical activity, stress and nutrition is equally important. Signs and symptoms that indicate disease flare or infection are described. Lastly, related syndromes are reviewed.